An overhead composite PAP image looking into a
stone built monk's
cell (2)
hidden deep in the woods of Torphichen. This could be associated with
the Knights of St John or from a much earlier period in
St Ninian's history.

It is often cited that there were four
refuge/sanctuary stones located one
Scots mile,
north, south, east and west of the Preceptory. Some questions
worth considering are:

When are the stones first cited in
documents?

When would these stones have been
put in place?

Are they located on the access
routes to the Preceptory for any known time period?

Were there only four stones located at
one mile?

In-situ, would any inscription have
only faced away from the Preceptory to greet travellers?

Why are the identified stones non-uniform?

Is there any stone locally with a true
Maltese cross on it?

This is the central
'Sanctuary stone' in the Torphichen Kirkyard. The east and west
'sanctuary stones' still stand in their original positions. It is my
thoughts that the prehistoric type stones are of much earlier origin
than the medieval Preceptory, possibly being related to the boundary
of the hillforts in the local area.

This is the top of the central 'Sanctuary stone' in the Torphichen Kirkyard. Note it has a central hole or well and has been
incised with a cross. This could have been to ritualise the pagan
alter stone. It is suggested that the stone was brought down from
Cairnpapple but could have come from any
of the prehistoric areas within the local region.

The rear of the Witch Craigs 'refuge stone' showing
the Cross of Lorraine. This stone was removed from its original
location which was probably from the fields just up from Haddies Walls
in the valley below.

The Gormyre 'refuge stone'. Just visible is the
outline of part of a cross. Originally described as a Maltese Cross,
now in its poor state of preservation, it could be interpreted as
various other forms of cross (Potent,
or Lorraine). (Until Jim took this photo it was
thought that
'there is now no trace of the cross' )
near infra-red

Local knowledge suggests that this large stone boulder at
the edge of a wood was one of the northern boundary 'refuge stones' in the
area. This would have stood in the centre of the field to the rear of
Craigend House near Lochote. There are no obvious markings on the stone
and it appears to have been badly damaged when relocated.

This is a shot from the east of the Westfield 'refuge
stone'. This image is taken from the blue channel with the contrast
enhanced to bring out any features. The stone was lost for a good number
of years, due to it being removed from its original location and dumped.
Luckily the stone was recovered and the fragmentary remains were cemented
back together. The stone was finally re-instated back near its original
standing place. The stone has pretty much flat sides with no obvious signs
of carving on its faces.

This is an image of the southern 'refuge stone' of
Torphichen. The original stone once stood in the field behind Couston
castle. The stone was removed to the side of the field, where it remained
for a number of years. It eventually found its way onto the pathway
leading to the quarry works with a number of other stones. After examining
the other stones, some are of obvious origin, with no obvious markings.
This was the only stone that also had a broken base and possible working
on its visible face. It is possible that this stone once had a cross
carved into its face. I could not examine the rear due to its weight.